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Fashion designer Maria B has issued an apology after being accused of copying a design by a young Turkish artist for her recently launched "Palestine Collection."
The collection, which features abayas, T-shirts, and kurtas, was intended to support the Palestinian cause, with all profits pledged to be donated to the people of Palestine.
Maria B took to Instagram to address the controversy, admitting that she unintentionally copied the design in question.
She explained that in the fast-paced world of social media, mistakes can happen, and she has since reached out to the Turkish artist to offer a personal apology.
Maria B also announced that she will now collaborate with the Turkish artist on her Palestine Collection and continue her efforts to raise donations for Palestinians.
She clarified that her collection was inspired by the Palestinian movement, incorporating symbols like the Palestinian flag.
The Turkish artist confirmed via social media that she is now working alongside Maria B on the project.
While Maria B’s gesture was meant to show solidarity with the Palestinian’s she faced backlash on social media.
Following the announcement, many netizens accused Maria of capitalising on the Palestinian cause for her own gain.
One user commented, "While Palestinians are getting killed in the blink of an eye, Maria B thinks it's the best time to start her modelling career by appropriating their culture. Her horrible clothes aren't going to Free Palestine. She needs to be transparent about which charity she will be sending the proceeds to. No one is falling for this stunt. Shame on everyone involved in this campaign."
Another critic urged people to support Palestinian businesses directly, rather than purchasing from Maria: "Instead of purchasing from this opportunist using Palestine for her own branding I would encourage people in the comments to purchase such things directly from Palestinians."
Amidst the polarised reactions, a significant portion of Maria's audience remains staunchly in her corner, praising her for taking a stand.
"All the feminists in our country are attacking her but she is doing more for Palestine than all of them!" one user argued, defending the designer against her detractors.
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